Seattle’s largest public park feels like a national park dropped into the city: 534 acres of forests, meadows, sea cliffs and beaches waiting to be explored.
Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park offers miles of trails, the historic West Point Lighthouse, tidal beaches and some of the best birdwatching in the city. On a clear day the views stretch across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains.
Ideal for hikers, families and anyone craving nature without leaving Seattle. Tip: start at the Environmental Learning Center for maps, then hike the 2.8-mile Loop Trail. Wear sturdy shoes — the trails to the beach have some elevation.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Joe Mabel

